Introduction: 3D Printed MacBook Pro 60W Cable Catcher

By Thingiverse Design Page
About: I make things so you can make things. Out of stuff.

I'm on a mad tear to upload all the upgrades I have made to my MacBook Pro because I like them, and I am hoping that others can benefit from them. In this case, it's just STL files to print this cable catcher. The photos here are of the fully-assembled catcher with the power supply clamped in and the cords all wound up. Don't fret: I'll show you all the parts.

Supplies

The files you really need for the printing are the "A-side" and the "B-side." The "Assembled" file is included just so you can download it and view what the printed parts look like fully assembled.

Attachments

Step 1: The Two Printed Halves

When you print Side A and Side B, you will need 2 screws to hold them together. I used 0.75" 10/24 screws, and it is good to know that I had to cut the threads into the screw holes because I am not proficient in building threads and printing them with my Creality printer.

Step 2: Installing the Power Brick

As you can see in the photos above, the brick should if snugly in one side (it doesn't matter which side you start with). Make sure there are no kinks in the places where the power cables run out from the brick. There are clear slots in the lattice circle for the fat power-in cord, and for the skinny power-out cord. Close the sides together and screw them together.

A couple of notes at this point:

  • The lattice design is made to make sure there is a lot of airflow around the brick, and it needs it. If you have one, you know this thing can get very warm (even HOT). The whole point of this design is to maintain airflow when you are using the power supply.
  • If you have a MacBook Pro with a SMALLER brick (the lower-wattage bricks are all smaller), you will need to measure your brick and modify my STL files to improve the shims to hold your brick in place when it is closed.

Step 3: Wind It Up

Now you can just wind it up. If you are a crazy person like me, when the cords are wound all the way in you can add velcro straps in the slots provided to keep the cords from unwrapping. The velcro is not necessary, but they are helpful if you are carrying your laptop all over the place.

Enjoy!